Here's why:
* Their quest is driven by greed: Their primary goal is to reclaim their ancestral home and its treasure from Smaug, the dragon. This desire for wealth and power is certainly not virtuous.
* They can be selfish and argumentative: They often squabble amongst themselves, prioritizing personal gain over the greater good.
* They lack foresight: They fail to consider the consequences of their actions, particularly their interactions with the elves and men in their journey.
* But they also have positive qualities: They are brave, resourceful, and loyal to each other. They value tradition and are driven by a sense of righting a wrong.
Ultimately, judging the dwarves as a whole as "good" or "evil" is too simplistic. They are flawed individuals who are complex and multifaceted. Their actions and motivations are often driven by a mix of good and bad intentions.
It's important to remember that J.R.R. Tolkien created a nuanced world where morality is rarely black and white. The dwarves, like many other characters in his works, represent a more complex and realistic view of human nature.